Battery, stalk charges for ex-tennis star Capriati

International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Jennifer Capriati of Tampa, Fla. becomes emotional as she speaks during induction ceremonies in Newport, R.I. Saturday, July 14, 2012.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Associated Press

Published: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:16 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:16 p.m.

NORTH PALM BEACH — Former tennis star Jennifer Capriati has been charged after police said she punched her ex-boyfriend on Valentine’s Day while he was working out at a gym.

Palm Beach County court records show Capriati was charged by prosecutors Wednesday. She has been issued a summons to appear before a judge April 17 on stalking and battery charges, though she has not been arrested.

North Palm Beach police say Ivan Brannan was working out when the 36-year-old Capriati approached him and yelled at him. Brannan told police that he tried to get away by walking to the men’s locker room, but Capriati blocked his path and punched him in the chest.

Brannan told police he and Capriati broke up in 2012 and that she has harassed and stalked him since then.

West Palm Beach attorney Richard Lubin told the New York Daily News that Capriati is innocent of the charges, which he called “nonsense.”

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